As part of the Navy Day 2025 celebrations, the Indian Navy demonstrated the might of the maritime force at on Wednesday (December 3, 2025) at Shangumugham Beach, Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Addressing the gathering, Chief of Navy Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said that day is about India’s rich maritime heritage that continues to shape our thinking and guide our course for the future.
Navy Day is celebrated on 4th December each year to commemorate the daring and decisive attack of the Indian Navy on and off Karachi Harbour during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Breaking away from the tradition of hosting the event at major naval bases, the Navy has chosen public coastal venues in recent years.
This year’s celebrations were held at Thiruvananthapuram’s Shangumugham Beach. “This day also offers us an opportunity to pay homage to our brave warriors whose courage and supreme sacrifices continue to inspire us in the service of the Navy and the nation,” CNS Tripathi said.
Navy Day 2025: Role of seas in India’s vision of becoming Viksit Bharat
Today’s operational demonstration is aimed at providing a glimpse of Indian Navy’s operational endeavours, a window into the discipline precision and teamwork that allows us to succeed at sea, stating so, CNS Tripathi underlined that the seas will play a central role in catalysing this journey.
“India has always been a strong maritime nation, our fortunes, glory and identity being defined by the seas,” the Chief of Naval Staff noted, adding that Indian Navy stands as a combat ready, credible, cohesive and future ready force to ensure safety and security of India’s maritime interests anytime, anywhere, anyhow.
Why Kerala was a fitting choice for Navy Day 2025 celebrations?
Explaining how PM Narendra Modi’s visionary directive has led to the Navy Day celebrations been extended out of New Delhi since 2022 to reconnect with places of maritime improvidence and naval legacy, the Chief of Naval Staff shared why Shangumugham Beach was the right place for this year’s celebrations.
“Two years ago, we honoured Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha naval tradition at Sindhudurg, Maharashtra. Last year, we celebrated the sea-faring spirit of Kalinga at Puri, Odisha. And it is only fitting that this year we are celebrating the Navy Day in Kerala as the state and its shores have spoken to the world for many centuries.”
He shared “ this hallowed land of Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Travancore Kingdom carried strong maritime connect and secured its coastal roads and ports, and maritime threads from foreign invaders.” Under the leadership of King Marthanda Varma, Travancore decimated the true naval fleet and forces, ending their colonial ambitions in India.
With this, the Navy chief quoted Sardar K M Panikkar, who was born here in the erstwhile state of Travancore, “If India desires to be a naval power, it is not sufficient to create a navy, however efficient and well manned. It must create a noble tradition in the public, a sustained interest in oceanic problems and a conviction that India’s future greatness lies on the seas.”
President highlights Navy’s vision of safe oceans
President Droupadi Murmu also graced the Navy Day 2025 celebrations and witnessed the operational demonstration. She said that by securing sea routes, protecting marine resources, preventing illegal activities, and supporting maritime research, the Indian Navy strengthens our vision of safe, prosperous, and sustainable oceans.
She also reflected upon the need for modernisation, as well as development and adaptation of new technologies, underscoring this is crucial for the combat readiness of any armed force. “It is heartening to see that the Indian Navy is demonstrating the capability to design and build complex platforms in India itself.”
Navy’s role beyond traditional defence
President Murmu praised the Navy noting its role goes beyond traditional defence, from deterring threats to combating piracy, from securing our Exclusive Economic Zone to ensuring freedom of navigation. “The Navy also exemplifies India’s humanitarian aspect. In crises across the Indian Ocean Region, it has acted as the first responder.”
As India shifts its focus on harnessing the potential of Blue Economy as a driver of sustainable development, the Navy plays a key role in these efforts, she stated. “The Navy strengthens our vision of safe, prosperous, and sustainable oceans.”